Cubs Owner Doubles Down on Message in Letter to Fans

The Chicago Cubs owner continues to preach that the 2023 season wasn't a success when sending a message to fans via email. Says they will continue building for future success.

The Chicago Cubs might look back on the 2023 season as the year that got away.

They were in a comfortable position to be playing playoff baseball before a late collapse cost them a Wild Card berth.

The Cubs' organization has been clear about this year not being a success because they missed the playoffs and on Wednesday, Chairman Tom Ricketts doubled down on that sentiment in a letter to the fans.

For those who did not receive that email, the full letter can be read on Bleacher Nation.

Ricketts started the letter by addressing missing the postseason.

"This wasn’t the way we wanted the season to end and every year we miss the playoffs is a difficult one. However, this season, where we dug ourselves an early hole and then played as well as anyone in the league only to fall just short of our goal, was particularly disappointing."

He continued by thanking the fans for their support throughout the year and mentioning the historic franchise turnaround that the team accomplished.

Then, he kept the same message that has come from all parties within the Chicago organization.

"While we are encouraged by many of the individual performances this year, almost making the playoffs is not success."

That's been the party line.

Considering the history of the Cubs and the passionate fanbase that they have, viewing missing the playoffs as a failure is something that should be the perspective of ownership, front office, coaches and the players.

"As an organization, we need to build on our progress and become a team that can finish the race. To do that, we will continue to be active this offseason to supplement our roster and look for contributions from our pipeline of elite homegrown talent.

Over the long term, the key to winning championships is consistently competing for a place in the postseason. While baseball playoffs are not random events, they do allow all teams a reasonable chance of winning. To have a team that can play October baseball on a regular basis, it is critical we draft and develop a pipeline of young, talented players."

Ricketts continued the letter by talking about their young players and respecting the past of this franchise.

The message from ownership is clear.

They want to build a contender and do it quickly.

How they go about that during this important offseason will be crucial to ensuring they accomplish these goals.